Fire safety grants announced for programs for students, seniors

BOSTON - Several area communities have received grants for fire safety education in the schools, and to instruct senior citizens about fire safety.

State Rep. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer; Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre, and Rep. Todd M. Smola, R-Warren, joined Gov. Deval L. Patrick and Secretary of Public Safety and Security Andrea Cabral to announce the grant funds through the Student Awareness of Fire Education and Senior SAFE programs for fiscal year 2014. Fourteen towns in the legislators' districts were among the recipients.

The SAFE program was created 19 years ago. Since that time, average annual child fire deaths have been reduced by 705.

The SAFE program is expanding in fiscal year 2014 to offer funds to communities in support of senior fire prevention training. This initiative is aimed at educating seniors on fire prevention, general home safety and how to be better prepared in the event of a fire.

“Our firefighters continue to provide students with practical knowledge so they can better ensure the safety of their families,” Gobi said in a news release. “SAFE is a wonderful program and a great use of funds.”

Stated Brewer, "Education is critical to preventing fire related deaths in Massachusetts. I am proud that we were able to fund this program at $1.2 million this year, to provide important resources to continue this mission."

Smola said it is critical that every person be educated on fire prevention and general home safety.